Tulane men's basketball team gets lift from forward David Booker

David Booker can work a microphone. He is the guy Tulane picks to talk to university student groups, the most charismatic player with regard to the media, the one with an easy smile and laid-back nature.

Ted Jackson/The Times-PicayuneForward David Booker has provided a consistent spark for Tulane this season, averaging 8.3 points per game, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals. His 15 steals are second on the team behind Kris Richard, who has 19.Well, that's the way he seems.

According to coaches and teammates, there is another side to the 6-foot-7 junior forward.

"Book, he brings a toughness factor to the team -- practice, on the court, off the court, pregame meals, everything, " teammate Kris Richard said. "He's a tough guy at pregame meals, too. He finishes all his plates."

According to Coach Dave Dickerson, Booker has a serious side that balances nicely against the playful portion of his personality.

"He does have a side that a lot of people don't see, because he plays the game the right way, with a lot of fun and a lot of flair. But in practice, he's the most intense player we have, " Dickerson said. "He gets after it, but that's good to see because he has a good personality. And he knows that on the floor I've got to be one way, but in other situations he can be something different."

That balance has proven vital to the Green Wave, in a 5-7 season with a hefty helping of low moments. Booker is the one player who has remained consistent. He averages 8.3 points per game, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals. His 15 steals are second on the team to only Richard, who has 19.

Booker has led much of the season in the category, and said he and forward Asim McQueen, who has 14 steals, aren't shy about pointing that out to the perimeter players.

"I think I'm pretty crafty down low, " Booker said. "I have a few skills, but leading the team, that was a surprise. Me and Asim joke around with Kevin and Kris all the time about how we (led) the team in steals."

Richard said Booker's consistency has helped the program, as the shooters have been hot and cold.

"We need consistent guys on the team to pick up the slack for someone else, " Richard said. "Congratulations to him, he's doing a heck of a job this season."

"Dave Booker did have a great evening over in Lafayette, " Dickerson said. "He played well both halves, (ending with) 26 big points, which was well needed for our basketball team. But what I like about that victory was the resolve of our team. We were facing losing five straight games, and our guys came out and really played with a lot of energy and passion."

"It's the biggest game of the year, " Dickerson said. "Lamar is a tough place to play, and Kris Richard is from there, and I'm pretty sure they are going to have some added incentives with us bringing Kris back to Beaumont, and there's going to be some distractions with Kris' family and all those things."